But Swedish massage therapy goes beyond relaxation. Swedish massage is exceptionally beneficial for increasing the level of oxygen in the blood, decreasing muscle toxins, improving circulation and flexibility while easing tension. A study conducted by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, and published in The New York Times, found that volunteers who received a minute Swedish massage experienced significant decreases in levels of the stress hormone cortisol, as well as arginine vasopressin-a hormone that can lead to increases in cortisol.

Volunteers also had increases in the number of lymphocytes, white blood cells that are part of the immune system, and a boost in the immune cells that may help fight colds and the flu. As an art it must be about as old as man himself because to hold or rub an injured part is an instinctive reaction to pain or discomfort. Massage has evolved from a combination of Eastern and Western traditions.

By far the greatest advancement of therapeutic massage recorded in history was by a Swedish physiologist named Per Henrik Ling , who created a scientific system of massage movements and techniques known as Swedish Massage. This consists of five basic strokes: Today, massage is a multidimensional skill encompassing a wide variety of ever evolving techniques, many of which have their roots in the Swedish system.

The general public is now very aware of the value of massage in combating the stresses and tensions of modern living. Athletes, sports people and dancers include massage in their training schedules to aid recovery and to prevent or treat soft tissue injuries. Most massage therapists utilize Swedish Massage as the foundation for a treatment and blend in various techniques, depending upon training and experience, to address the specific needs of the client.